Openverse Terms of Service

Note

Effective as of 5 May 2022

Change history

View the full set of changes for this file here.

1. Your Agreement to the Terms

Thank you for using the Openverse application programming interface (“API”), catalog, and/or website (hereafter cumulatively referred to as “Openverse”). BY USING OPENVERSE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREED TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF USE (hereafter “Terms”). By using Openverse, you also represent that you have the legal authority to accept the Terms on behalf of yourself and any party you represent in connection with your use of Openverse. If you do not agree to the Terms, you are not authorized to use Openverse.

2. Licensed Uses and Restrictions

In connection with your use of Openverse:

  • You must adhere to all rate limits, registration requirements, and comply with all requirements in Openverse documentation;

  • You must not scrape the content in the Openverse catalog;

  • You must not use multiple machines to circumvent rate limits or otherwise take measures to bypass our technical or security measures;

  • You must not operate in a way that negatively affects other users of Openverse or impedes the WordPress Foundation’s ability to provide its services;

  • You must respect and comply with the terms and conditions applicable to the content and metadata accessible through Openverse, including by providing proper attribution to CC-licensed works and respecting the terms and conditions of platforms hosting CC-licensed works.

  • You must not, and any products you develop must not, encourage others to violate any laws, regulations, or rights of any other person or entity, including intellectual property rights.

3. Content and Data Available in the Catalog

Openverse aggregates metadata about openly licensed content hosted on websites managed by third parties. Openverse does not own or control the content or data made available through the API or shared on the website, and does not verify its licensing status or make any representations or warranties about the content or data whatsoever. You are responsible for independently verifying whether you have the right to use the content and data and what terms and conditions apply to your use.

4. Openverse API Trademark Use

If you develop an application or other product or service using the Openverse API, you must prominently indicate that it was made using Openverse but is not endorsed or certified by Openverse. You must comply with the WordPress Foundation Trademark Policy for all use of the Openverse/WordPress logos and other trademarks.

5. Fees

To help ensure the sustainability of the Openverse project, Openverse reserves the right to charge fees for commercial uses of Openverse and/or for heavy usage that places more of a burden on the financial supporters of the WordPress Foundation and the maintainers of its systems.

6. Changes to the Terms

Openverse is actively developing its product vision and strategy and may limit access to, and/or change the Terms that apply to Openverse at any time as plans take shape. If we make changes that we feel are material, we will make reasonable efforts to update developers who we know are actively using the Openverse API. Your continued use of Openverse after new and/or revised Terms are effective indications that you have read, understood, and agreed to those terms.

7. Termination

Openverse maintainers may modify, suspend, or terminate the operation of, or access to, Openverse at any time for any reason. Additionally, your individual access to, and use of, Openverse may be terminated by Openverse maintainers at any time and for any reason.